Clonings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism or cell
2. the act of replicating DNA sequences or specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes
3. the technique of producing cells or tissues that are an exact genetic match to the original source organism or cell

Etymology: "Clonings" is simply the plural of "cloning," the noun for the making of genetically identical copies of an organism, cell or gene. The plural is used when speaking of several such procedures or instances, as in discussing a series of clonings in a research program. The noun "cloning" is derived from "clone," which comes from the Greek "klon," meaning a twig or slip cut from a plant and used to grow a new one. That image of a cutting taking root as a genetic duplicate of its parent is the root of the modern sense, and the plural form inherits the same meaning.

Synonyms: copying, replication, duplication, reproduction, facsimile

Antonyms: original, prototype, unique, authentic, genuine